The game came in to action after only a minute after Reading took a dramatic lead with Shaun Goater heading home at the near post with some fans missing the goal. It cam from a free kick from near the edge of the box which was whipped in and Goater managed to sneak in and head pat Derby County goalkeeper, Lee Grant. Derby who had won in the week against Reading rivals Sheffield United, could not have got off to a worse start and look edgy at the back all afternoon. Goater could have had another goal only five minutes later when more bad defending nearly let in the Goat but his shot went wide. Reading then had another chance when a John Salako cross found Andy Hughes but his volley was saved superbly by Lee Grant with his feet. Reading were finally showing that they should still not be counted out of the promotion race with some lovely moves and passing.

Though Derby did were causing the Royals defence at times but were unable to turn the chances in to goals, one of the main reasons why they find there selves in a relegation fight with local rivals Nottingham Forest. As it looked Reading would go in at half time one goal t the good, Steve Sidwell hit a well struck drive which Grant could not keep out of the net. The England U21 goalkeeper got a hand to the shot but the power was too much and the ball ended up hitting the top corner. The added goal was that bit of security that players, management and fans alike were after.

Half Time: Reading 2:0 Derby County

Derby came out second half much more attacking and tried to take the game to Reading. Though has Derby went forward, Goater caught them on the counter attack. Shorey's ball to Goater whose run and shot went passed Grant to give him his second goal of the game and hit back at the critic in the best way he can. Goater's play all afternoon was top class and if Forster was to leave the Royals then maybe we won't miss him as much as everybody feels we might. We seem to score more goals when he is out of the team. It was also Goater's 200th Career goal which made it that bit more sweeter for the former Manchester City forward.

Reading were well in control of the game but Derby made it difficult as possible and cut Reading's lead to two goals after a corner which was met by the head of Michael Johnson and his header went passed Hahnemann. Derby starting piling on the pressure as Reading were getting deeper and deeper trying to hold onto there advantage, though the Rams did get it in to the net again but it was disallowed for offside, another look at it may be needed as it looked a unlucky decision for George Burleys men. 

Full Time: Reading 3:1 Reading

Reading hanged on though and earned a victory that could be the start of some good home form...hopefully!

Man Of The Match: Two well taken goals and great link up play with Lloyd Owusu

Ref Watch: Did ok though was not a favourite with the Derby fans for disallowing a late goal from Leon Osman

Attendance: 14,200